NBA's best dunkers: No. 9 J.R. Smith

September 26, 2011|By Zach McCann, Orlando Sentinel

Nothing gets NBA fans jumping out of their chairs, using exclamation points on Twitter or scouring YouTube for highlights than a dunk. It's basketball's simplest shot, yet capable of creating so much excitement – or embarrassment – at any given time.

These are the ten players most likely to cause a stir by throwing down a ferocious or acrobatic dunk during a game.

Beginning Monday morning, we'll unveil our rankings of the NBA's best dunkers. There'll be two rankings a day — one in the morning, one in the afternoon — with the final pick coming on Friday afternoon.

We're not talking about trick dunks; that's what the dunk contest is for.

We're talking about the best in-game dunkers: Guys who'll go over you, around you or through you in mid-air on their way to a jam.

Think a player's ranking is too high or too low? Voice your opinion by writing in the comments field below.

J.R. Smith

Dunk ranking: 9th

Current team: Denver Nuggets (China)

Height/weight: 6-6, 220

Age on Sept. 26, 2011: 26

Seasons in NBA: 7

Dunks last season: 32

Dunking style: Acrobat

How he does it: Smith, a showman at heart, has an appreciation for flair in his dunks. He's not afraid to throw in a reverse, a double-pump or even a windmill during an NBA game. And he's a head hunter. If you're a big man and you see Smith sizing you up while moving toward the hoop, watch out – you might be the reason some fans cover their mouths in disbelief.